Red velvet crinkle cookies with cake mix are one of the easiest and most delicious treats you can whip up when you’re short on time but still want to impress. By using red velvet cake mix as the base, these cookies come together quickly while maintaining a soft, chewy texture with that signature crinkled look. Perfect for holidays, parties, or a simple afternoon snack, red velvet crinkle cookies offer a flavorful and visually stunning dessert that everyone will love.
The best part? You can make these cookies quickly and easily using red velvet cake mix! This recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels because it simplifies the process, offering consistency and flavor with minimal effort.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through step-by-step instructions for making red velvet crinkle cookies using cake mix. Plus, we’ll explore tips for customizing the recipe, providing storage tips, and answering some common FAQs.
Why Use Cake Mix for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies?
You might wonder: Why use cake mix to make cookies? The answer lies in the convenience and consistency. By starting with a box of red velvet cake mix, you reduce the amount of time and effort needed to measure out ingredients while ensuring the perfect flavor and texture every time.
Here are three reasons why cake mix works perfectly for red velvet crinkle cookies:
- Consistency: The cake mix contains all the key ingredients in the right proportions, ensuring that your cookies are moist and flavorful without any guesswork.
- Speed: Using a mix cuts down the prep time, allowing you to whip up these cookies in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute parties or family gatherings.
- Flexibility: Cake mix serves as a base, which means you can customize your cookies by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
To make red velvet crinkle cookies using cake mix, you’ll only need a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 box of red velvet cake mix (around 15-18 ounces)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for rolling the dough balls)
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for enhanced flavor)
Optional Add-ins:
- White chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips (for added texture and sweetness)
- Chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts (for a crunchy twist)
Instructions for Making Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir the ingredients together until the dough is fully combined and smooth. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
If you plan to add white chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips, fold them into the dough at this stage.
Step 2: Chill the Dough
Place the dough in the refrigerator to chill for at least 20-30 minutes. Chilling the dough makes it easier to work with and helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 4: Roll the Dough in Powdered Sugar
Scoop about 1 to 2 tablespoons of dough and roll it into a ball using your hands. Once you have your dough balls formed, roll them generously in powdered sugar until they are fully coated. This powdered sugar coating is what gives the cookies their signature “crinkle” appearance as they bake.
Step 5: Bake the Cookies
Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are crinkled. The centers should remain slightly soft.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, your red velvet crinkle cookies will be ready to enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Here are a few tips to ensure that your red velvet crinkle cookies come out perfectly every time:
1. Chill the Dough for Better Results
Chilling the dough is an essential step for achieving perfectly crinkled cookies. Cold dough is easier to roll and ensures that the cookies retain their shape during baking. Skipping this step may result in cookies that spread too much, losing the crinkle effect.
2. Use a Generous Amount of Powdered Sugar
To achieve the best crinkled appearance, make sure to roll the dough balls in a generous amount of powdered sugar. The more powdered sugar, the more pronounced the crinkle effect will be. If you’re looking for an extra decorative touch, you can even sprinkle a little extra powdered sugar on top of the cookies after they’ve baked.
3. Customize Your Cookies
One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s highly customizable. For example, you can add white chocolate chips for a sweeter contrast to the rich red velvet flavor, or mix in chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
If you want to make your cookies more festive, consider rolling the dough balls in colored sprinkles in addition to powdered sugar. This is a great option for holiday baking, such as Christmas-themed cookie recipes.
4. Don’t Overbake
For soft, chewy cookies, be careful not to overbake them. The cookies should look slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to cook as they cool on the baking sheet, resulting in the perfect texture.
Customizing Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, you can get creative with your red velvet crinkle cookies by adding various mix-ins or making them even more indulgent.
1. Add Chocolate Chips or Chunks
Adding chocolate chips (semi-sweet or white chocolate) can take your cookies to the next level. The chocolate chips will melt as the cookies bake, adding bursts of sweetness and texture. For a more intense chocolate flavor, you can use dark chocolate chunks.
2. Make Sandwich Cookies
Turn your red velvet crinkle cookies into cookie sandwiches by adding a filling between two cookies. A simple cream cheese frosting works perfectly with the red velvet flavor, offering a classic pairing. For more sandwich cookie ideas, check out this guide on cookie sandwich recipes.
3. Add a Cream Cheese Swirl
For a fun twist, you can swirl a little bit of cream cheese into the dough before baking. Simply soften some cream cheese and swirl it into the cookie dough using a toothpick. This adds a creamy, tangy layer to the cookies that complements the red velvet flavor beautifully.
4. Top with Sprinkles or Decorative Sugars
For a more festive look, roll the dough balls in sprinkles or decorative sugars before baking. This is a great way to make your cookies stand out during the holidays. You can even match the colors to specific themes, like using red and green for Christmas or pink for Valentine’s Day.
Storage and Freezing Tips for Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
1. How to Store the Cookies
Once baked, store your red velvet crinkle cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. To keep the cookies soft, you can add a slice of bread to the container. The bread will absorb excess moisture, helping the cookies maintain their texture.
2. How to Freeze Cookie Dough
You can freeze the cookie dough to bake later. After forming the dough balls (before rolling them in powdered sugar), place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container.
When you’re ready to bake, allow the dough to thaw for about 10 minutes, roll the balls in powdered sugar, and bake as directed. Frozen dough can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
3. How to Freeze Baked Cookies
You can also freeze the baked cookies for later. Let the cookies cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen red velvet crinkle cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To serve, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds.
FAQs About Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies
Can I skip chilling the dough?
Chilling the dough helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking and makes the dough easier to handle. While you can skip this step if you’re short on time, your cookies may not have the same shape or crinkle effect.
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Yes! While red velvet is a popular flavor, this recipe works well with other cake mix flavors such as chocolate, lemon, or funfetti. The method remains the same, but the flavor and color will change based on the cake mix you choose.
How do I keep my cookies soft?
To keep your cookies soft, store them in an airtight container. Adding a slice of bread to the container will help maintain their moisture. The cookies will absorb moisture from the bread, keeping them soft for several days.
Can I make these cookies without powdered sugar?
The powdered sugar gives the cookies their signature crinkled appearance, so skipping it would alter the look of the cookies. However, you can still make the cookies without it—they will taste delicious but won’t have the characteristic crinkle.
Conclusion
Making red velvet crinkle cookies with cake mix is a simple and delicious way to enjoy a homemade treat in no time. The cake mix not only simplifies the process but also ensures a perfect texture and flavor. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, party, or just because, these cookies are sure to impress with their vibrant color, soft texture, and delicious taste.
With the tips and customization options provided in this guide, you can make the cookies your own by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, cream cheese frosting, or even sprinkles. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the sweet, crinkled perfection of red velvet crinkle cookies!
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